Israel eyes regime change in Iran - and is counting on Trump to make it happen

January 31, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained a strategic public silence regarding the US military buildup in the Middle East and potential strikes against Iran, while privately advocating for maximalist action aimed at regime change rather than limited attacks. Israeli leaders view Iran's current vulnerability—following the 12-day war last year that damaged its military capabilities and weakened its regional proxies—as a rare opportunity that may not recur. Though Netanyahu seeks to eliminate threats from Iranian ballistic missiles and nuclear ambitions, the approach carries significant risks, as Iran previously retaliated against Israeli cities with missile strikes that killed at least 28 people.

Who is affected

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government
Israeli citizens, particularly Tel Aviv residents who experienced Iranian missile strikes
Iranian leadership including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iranian anti-government protesters and opposition movements
US President Donald Trump and US military/intelligence agencies
Hezbollah and other Iranian proxy militias in the region
Israeli military intelligence personnel including Chief Shlomi Binder
Israeli opposition lawmakers like Moshe Tur-Paz (Yesh Atid party)
Regional Middle Eastern countries and populations

What action is being taken

Israel's military intelligence chief Shlomi Binder is meeting with US intelligence agencies in Washington, focusing discussions on possible targets in Iran
US President Donald Trump is currently considering a range of actions against Iran, from limited symbolic strikes to full-blown regime change
Iran is rebuilding its missile stocks following the 12-day war last year
The US and Iran have both stated they are open to negotiations

Why it matters

This situation represents a critical juncture in Middle Eastern security and regional stability. For Israel, Iran poses what Netanyahu considers the key existential threat through its ballistic missile capabilities, potential nuclear weapons development, and support for proxy forces like Hezbollah that maintain thousands of missiles near Israel's borders. The current moment is particularly significant because Iran is at its weakest point in years—militarily diminished from previous conflicts, with weakened regional proxies and facing domestic protests—creating what Israeli leaders view as a potentially unrepeatable opportunity for regime change. However, the outcome could either eliminate major threats to Israeli security or trigger devastating retaliation and regional chaos, affecting not just Israel and Iran but the entire Middle East.

What's next

President Trump will decide on specific actions against Iran, ranging from limited strikes to regime change operations
If negotiations don't materialize soon, analysts predict the US will strike
Netanyahu faces elections this year where his handling of the Iran situation could impact results
There are signs Trump may be limiting conditions for negotiations and focusing primarily on Iran's nuclear program
If diplomatic compromises are reached on issues like uranium enrichment, negotiations could begin

Read full article from source: BBC